They are his darling debauch of cleverness, of surface-psychology.

The analysis follows no conventional lines, does not take or oppose any well-known philosophical side.

It is not much more than his own serious or fantastic thinking indulging itself with reckless abandon--amusing itself with itself.

And this gives them a humanity--a Browning humanity--outside of their subjects.
The subjects too, though not delightful, are founded on facts of human life.

_Bishop Blougram_ was conceived from Cardinal Wiseman's career, _Mr.Sludge_ from Mr.Home's.